bridge of weir

A fresh approach to local decision making is bringing communities to the fore as Renfrewshire gets set to launch its new Local Partnerships.

Replacing the previous Local Area Committees (LACs), the new partnerships will adopt a more informal and inclusive approach to allow local people more of a say in the decisions which affect their area.

A series of introductory events will take place throughout October which will outline exactly what the new partnerships are, how they will work and how local people can get involved.

The meetings will take place on:

Wednesday 24 October: Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir, 10am – 12pm
Thursday 25 October: Renfrew Town Hall, 10am-12pm
Monday 29 October: EMMS Studio, Erskine, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Thursday 1 November: McKillop Institute, Lochwinnoch, 6.30pm -8.30pm
Monday 5 November: Tannahill Centre, Paisley, 10am-12pm
Tuesday 6 November: Paisley Town Hall, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Wednesday 7 November: Johnstone Town Hall, 10am-12pm
Friday 9 November: Glenburn Community Centre, 10am – 12noon

Community members of all ages are invited to come along and join the new partnerships, with no previous experience of similar groups needed.

The partnerships will see membership split evenly between elected members and community representatives as part of a drive to ensure community voices are heard on local issues.

David Fowles, Lochwinnoch Community Council, said: “We were happy to be involved in the development of the new Local Partnerships and I’m looking forward to seeing the new direction of the meetings.

“It’s extremely important that local people are involved in decision making at a local level and these new partnerships should open up some exciting opportunities for our communities.”

The partnerships have changed their name to reflect the change in function and remit, from a formal, council-led committee to an inclusive approach which aims to have all members working together to make decisions.

Previously communities fell under five LACs, however the new partnerships will mirror the Community Council boundaries and move to a total of seven Local Partnerships.

The partnerships will also help identify and shortlist projects for the Youth Challenge Fund, with the final decision on these awards being made by the young people themselves.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson, said: “These new partnerships are the perfect opportunity for local people to become more involved in the decision making at the heart of their communities.

“Responsibility for awarding grant funding or focusing the direction of the group will now be an equal process between elected members and local community members.

“So it’s more important than ever that you take this opportunity to get involved in your local community.

“No matter what age or what experience you have, please come along to the events to learn more and join the new partnerships as they get set to hold their first full meetings in November.”

The initial introductory events will take place throughout October to outline the first steps of the new process to interested community members.

The first full meetings of the new partnerships are set to begin in Renfrew on 13 November, with the other six partnerships following shortly after.

For more information on the Local Partnerships and a full set of meeting dates, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/localpartnerships.

18/10/2018/by Danielle McGuire

Who are your local heroes?

Renfrewshire’s inspiring local heroes are set to be rewarded as nominations for the Provost’s Community Awards open for 2019.

Renfrewshire Council Provost awards 9.3.18

Extraordinary employees, superlative sportspeople and compassionate carers are being sought as the awards recognise the people who make Renfrewshire a better place to live, work and visit.

There are five categories available to nominate in, including a revamped award for employees to recognise those stars in the workplace, and these are:

Community Volunteer (sponsored by Glasgow Airport Ltd)
Community Group (sponsored by the Piazza Shopping Centre)
Sporting Achievement (sponsored by ACRE Industrial)
Employee of the Year (sponsored by UNISON Renfrewshire)
Carers Award (sponsored by former Provost Nancy Allison)
Arts and Culture award (sponsored by Renfrewshire Council)

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “As the Provost, I meet hundreds of inspiring people and groups every year and it never ceases to amaze me that there is so much fantastic work going on throughout Renfrewshire.

Renfrewshire Council Provost awards 9.3.18

“These awards are an opportunity to pay tribute to the unsung heroes of the area who go the extra mile without looking for a reward and give them the recognition that they deserve.

“I can’t wait to read the nominations so don’t miss out on the chance to nominate and start sending them in now.”

Renfrewshire Council Provost awards 9.3.18

The deadline for entries to all categories is Wednesday 12 December.

The Provost will be joined by the award sponsors and other local elected members to choose the winners who will be invited, along with their nominator, to the awards ceremony on Friday 15 March 2019 and the Lynnhurst Hotel in Johnstone.

For more information, and to submit your nomination, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/provostawards2019, email provostawards@renfrewshire.gov.uk or call 0141 618 7102.

17/10/2018/by Paisley

A team of 14 staff and supporters from SPAR took on the daunting challenge of Zipsliding at high speed across the River Clyde for St. Vincent’s Hospice, bringing an impressive end to their fundraising efforts over the last several months, as they raised a staggering £6,500.

SPAR Scotland, owned and operated by CJ Lang and Son, the largest independent retailing and distribution company in Scotland, are a proud Pearl Sponsor of St. Vincent’s Hospice as part of their 30^th Anniversary year.

Taking place on Saturday 15^th September, Team Spar joined a host of other supporters from around the community, and was made up of a wide variety of individuals, with some looking to remember a loved one, some aiming to conquer a fear of heights and others just looking for an adrenaline rush.

Commenting on the event, Fundraising Manager at St. Vincent’s Hospice, Carol-Anne Lamont, said: “The support from everyone at SPAR has been absolutely incredible and we cannot thank them, and all of the supporters who took part, for everything they have done for us. They have been fundraising for us consistently over the last several months, and had already donated an exceptional amount, before adding more than £4,000 to their total with the Zipslide.

“In spite of some winds which threatened to make the day a bit scarier than any of us had been expecting, it was a fantastic event, with everyone doing us proud as they sailed over the Clyde. Every single penny raised from this event makes a real difference to families from all walks of our community, allowing us to provide care and support for people during some of the most difficult times of their lives.”

St. Vincent’s Hospice is a specialist provider of palliative and Hospice care for individuals and families affected by life-limiting conditions from all across Renfrewshire. They also provide bereavement counselling and support for children and young people who have experienced the loss or illness of a loved one.

Area Manager for Spar, David Cunningham, said: “We are delighted to be given the opportunity to assist St. Vincent’s Hospice in the fundraising that allows them to continue to deliver the valuable care and support they provide within the community. All our staff had a fantastic time on the day and were delighted it helped contribute to such a worthy cause!”

If you would like to become involved and support St. Vincent’s Hospice, please visit: www.SVH.co.uk or email Info@svh.co.uk.

17/10/2018/by Paisley

‘Classics at Castle Semple’ Car show will return to the shores of Lochwinnoch for its 8th year this Sunday, 21^st October 2018, with proceeds going towards supporting St. Vincent’s Hospice.

An essential for any car lover and a fun day out for the whole family, the event will run from 11am until 3pm, with special attractions, extremely rare models and prizes to be won.

Chosen charity for the event, St. Vincent’s Hospice, is a specialist provider of palliative and hospice care for people and families affected by life limiting conditions from all across Renfrewshire.

Event Organiser and Visitor Centre Assistant at Castle Semple, Jane Fawcett, said: “This year sees 50 years since the Ford Escort first came onto the market, and we will have a few fine examples of this classic, alongside some American stars, stunning Triumphs, Morris’, Austins and even the much loved Beardmore Taxi.”

“Special attractions on the day will include a Vauxhall Wyvern, Alfa Alfetta, Citroen Traction and the extremely rare 1946 Fordson Van. The cars will be competing for the prizes of Best in Show, sponsored by Power Doors, and Judges Choice, sponsored by Clyde Muirshiel. With everything to play for, everyone get polishing and we will see you on Sunday.”

15/10/2018/by Paisley

YOUNGSTERS can get into the spirit of Halloween with some fun events during the school holiday this week.

A Witch’s Garden has been set up in Soar at intu Braehead with all sorts of spellbinding fun for children. They can play around a witch’s hut, a cauldron that can be used for making spells and spot black cats hiding in the garden.

There’s also some sorcery going on with arts and crafts, face painting and broomstick racing for youngsters.

The free Witch’s Garden event is on every day until Sunday, October 21 with a face painter there on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 16 and 17 and Saturday and Sunday, October 20 and 21. And the broomstick races also take place this Saturday and Sunday.

A free Halloween Forest play area has been set up in the central atrium of the intu Braehead shopping centre, until Thursday, October 18. Youngsters can have a spooky adventure with giant mushrooms, pumpkins among the trees and a face painter on hand on Monday, October 15.

David Lyon, marketing manager for intu Braehead said: “There’s lots of fun for all the family in our Witch’s Garden and Halloween Forest.

“It’s a great way for everyone to get ready for Halloween. And since there is no charge for a ticket, you could say it’s a real free-ky Halloween event!”

14/10/2018/by Paisley

Book Week Scotland 2018 runs from 19 November to 25 November

#BookWeekScotland

Working with a wide range of partners, Scottish Book Trust – the national charity changing lives through reading and writing – will deliver events and activities across the country during Book Week Scotland 2018, which runs from 19 November to 25 November, linked to this year’s theme of Rebel.

The programme for Scotland’s seventh national celebration of books and reading launched with a photocall of rebellious librarians held at Central Library, Edinburgh. Drag queen and Book Week Scotland ambassador, Nancy Clench, and bestselling author Claire Askew posed with copies of the Rebel book, which features a story from Nancy, as well as others submitted from the public.

During Book Week Scotland there are hundreds of free events taking place across many different local authorities, funded by Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC). In Renfrewshire, there is a selection of interesting events for Book Week Scotland, including:

An Afternoon with Peter Kerr, November 22, 2:30pm – 4:00pm

Johnstone Library, Church Street

Enjoy an afternoon with Scotland’s best-selling travel writer Peter Kerr. Peter’s critically acclaimed Mallorca-based books have sold in large numbers worldwide and were inspired by his own experience. A talented artist, Peter also illustrates his own work. A free ticketed event, please book your place online.

https://bookweekscotlandevents.com/events/an-afternoon-with-peter-kerr

Paisley Central Library – Open Day, November 23 – 25, 15:00 – 10:00pm

Paisley Central Library, High Street

Last month Paisley Central Library closed its doors, but before refurbishment work begins, there is a chance to enjoy this well-loved building with Book Week Scotland themed events and activities. Open days will take place from Friday 23 until Sunday 25 November. Please call 0300 300 1188 for further details.

https://bookweekscotlandevents.com/events/paisley-central-library-last-visit

Pitch-It

For the first time, Book Week Scotland will run ‘Pitch-it’, an opportunity for libraries and community groups to submit their proposal for an event. Those involved include: bestselling author Joanne Harris, discussing her new book Blue Salt Road; rapper, writer and activist Akala; public speaker Sam Conniff Allende of Be More Pirate; and Scottish Alt-folk musician and author Peter Kelly, aka Beerjacket. Scottish Book Trust will welcome submissions for interesting and creative events that fit the Rebel theme. Submissions are now open, and the deadline is 15 October. Applications can be made via Scottish Book Trust’s website.

Initiated by the Scottish Government and supported by National Lottery funds through Creative Scotland Targeted Funding, Book Week Scotland is delivered by Scottish Book Trust (and its partners) from 19 November to 25 November 2018. There are hundreds of free events taking place across many different local authorities, funded by Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC).

For more information about Book Week Scotland 2018 and how you can get involved, visit www.bookweekscotland.com where you can find information about all the events taking place in your local area.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “We’re delighted to present another packed programme for Book Week Scotland, our national celebration of reading and writing. After listening to feedback, Scottish Book Trust is pleased to make 100,000 copies of the Rebel book available to the public. Many thanks to our partners and funders for making this programme possible, and we hope everyone joins us for Book Week Scotland, whether at a physical event, or by taking part in our Digital Festival.”

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “As a life-long and avid reader, I know that there’s no greater pleasure than losing yourself in the magic of a book. That’s why I welcome this fantastic launch of 2018 Book Week Scotland programme, a flagship event of Scotland’s culture sector celebrating books, reading and Scotland’s rich literary history and dedicated this year to exploring the theme of ‘Rebel’.

“For the seventh consecutive year, the Scottish Government is proud to support this incredible event, which stems from the Scottish Government’s commitment to literature and as part of our commitment to literature and ensuring more people can access and enjoy cultural activity more often.

“I congratulate Scottish Book Trust and the Scottish Library and Information Council for organising such a fantastic programme of events and activities throughout Scotland, which you can be a part of in your home, at school or college, in your local library or at work, as well as online. I encourage everyone in Scotland, especially during 2018 Book Week Scotland, to commit to finding some time to immerse themselves in the world of books.”

Erin McElhinney, Literature Officer, Creative Scotland, commented: “Scottish Book Trust have produced a programme that offers a whole host of routes into reading and writing, offering a cause to the rebel in all of us. It’s a week to celebrate new partnerships and connections, between organisations and the public, between digital and the book – and an invitation to challenge our own boundaries around reading.”

13/10/2018/by Paisley

ST MIRREN legend Tony Fitzpatrick is offering a unique triple bonus to people who pre-order his soon-to-be published autobiography, Fitzy – The Story of My Life.

People who pre-order the book before the November 6 publication date will be –

among the first to receive a signed copy of the autobiography;
entered into a prize draw to win two tickets for a Saints home game with a VIP matchday experience in the St Mirren boardroom;
and Tony will personally deliver a copy of his book to the homes of three people chosen at random.

For the first time Tony – who not only won a league title and a Scottish Cup medal with the Saints, but also had two spells as manager and is now the club’s chief executive – is telling his life story in this new book.

Tony Fitzpatrick’s life is more than just a football story.

There are lots of hilarious tales from the dressing room and behind-the-scenes boardroom battles in his autobiography, published by Macdonald Media.

But behind the football banter and bust-ups, there’s an amazing story of being brought up in one of the poorest and most violent areas of Glasgow and how he used his football skills to escape that life.

While at the top of his football career, tragedy struck when his six-year-old son, Tony Jr. died after cancer struck down the young boy. And on the day of his funeral, callous thieves ransacked the family home stealing anything and everything they could load on to a furniture van.

Sir Alex Ferguson, in only his second managerial job, made the teenage Tony Fitzpatrick the captain of St Mirren FC.

But not before Tony’s dad had to phone Fergie pretending to be the family doctor assuring him the young footballer was fit enough to play after suffering pleurisy!

Tony lost a fortune after he put money into Livingstone FC and the club went into administration. But he bounced back and as part of a groundbreaking police initiative, worked with some of the most violent young men in Glasgow’s gangs encouraging them to give up the blade and the gun.

Co-writer of the book, Paisley journalist and author, Norman Macdonald said:

“I was amazed at some of the stories Tony had to tell and the book will touch all your emotions.

“It’s a must-read heartwarming story of personal triumph over adversity.”

Log on to www.fitzybook.co.uk to order your copy today and Tony could be turning up at your door to deliver your book.

12/10/2018/by Paisley

A Renfrewshire Councillor has made it onto the shortlist of the inaugural Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland Councillors Award s2018.

Team UP To Clean UP
PIC SHOWS Cllr Cathy McEwan with the pupils from Gleniffer High School

Councillor Cathy McEwan will be the representing Renfrewshire in the awards and has been nominated for the Environmental Impact category having been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the local environment. Cllr McEwan is up against councillors from Edinburgh, South Ayrshire and Argyll & Bute for the award.

As Convener of the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, Cllr Cathy McEwan has led the highly successful Team Up to Clean Up campaign which has seen over 1000 local people work together to clean up their communities. This has included specific events such as the ‘Big Spring Clean’ and ‘Spotless September’ campaigns to encourage more community clean ups and a thank you event held in Paisley Town Hall to reward all those who have taken part.

Councillor Cathy McEwan said:

“I’m extremely honoured to have been nominated and to have made the award shortlist. However, I am only part of a team that is doing our best to make things better in Renfrewshire and this nomination should be seen in that context. Without the support of my fellow SNP councillors, staff at Renfrewshire Council and of course the local volunteers then I would not have been nominated and any success would be due to everyone.”

12/10/2018/by Paisley

Charity RAMH teamed up with Renfrewshire Council employees to stock up their Re-use Superstore.

Located in Johnstone town centre and run by RAMH’s Lifeskills service, the store offers low-cost household items for sale as well as work experience and training for those wanting to boost their skills.

Stephen McLellan, RAMH Chief Executive, was at the store to receive the collection from Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron.

Stephen said: “We believe firmly in supporting people recovering from mental ill health. That’s why we started the Re-use Superstore to give people the practical things they need at a low cost.

“Having the store as a place people can gain confidence as well as skills and experience to support them recover and help them to feel capable of finding suitable employment is also a big part of what we do each day.

“The collection received from Council staff will help use stock up our store ahead of the winter season.”

Provost Cameron said: “People always need low cost household items, whether it’s a new cutlery set, winter clothes or some toys for the kids.

“Giving away furniture, soft furnishings and electrical goods that you no longer need is a great way to help support others to keep their homes cosy and warm at a low cost.”

The collection was held during Challenge Poverty Week, which aims to highlight the reality of poverty and demonstrate what needs to be done across Scotland to address poverty.

Residents can support the store by bringing in working, clean and complete household items to RAMH Re-use Superstore at Houstoun Court Shopping Arcade (across from the town hall) Church Street, Johnstone, PA5 8DT.

12/10/2018/by Paisley

A touch of the Tour de France could be coming to Renfrewshire.
For the SNP led council is exploring the possibility of staging a mass participation cycling event which would give local riders the chance to complete a ‘Tour of Renfrewshire’.

After a motion was passed by the Council last Thursday, bosses will now be drawing up plans to plan a route around the authority area suitable for all ages and abilities.
The race will be run on closed roads, meaning everyone from novice bikers to the next Chris Hoy can take part safely.

Johnstone South & Elderslie Cllr Andy Steel (SNP), who proposed the motion to council, said “Clearly there will be logistical issues in closing off roads – these will have to be examined closely as we don’t want to cause inconvenience to residents. However, the benefits of developing a culture of cycling in our area can’t be understated. Cleaner air, fitter citizens, more tourism – making Renfrewshire a destination for cyclists can only be good for the area and this event could become a central part of that.”

He added “We’ve got a superb array of challenging climbs around our towns and villages, all within a relatively small area. With good connections to the airport we could be bringing people in from far and wide to take part.”

The Chair of Renfrewshire Leisure, Renfrew North & Braehead Cllr Lisa-Marie Hughes (SNP) seconded the motion and said “The health benefits of exercise, both mental and physical, are well documented and anything the council can do which encourages people to take even a little exercise has got to be a good thing.”

“We’re at the very early stages of this and will want to talk to business, cycling clubs and potential sponsors but it’s an exciting idea and one I hope will catch people’s imaginations.”

11/10/2018/by Paisley

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